Bentley to develop bespoke Mulliner models

Bentley is exploring ways to develop its bespoke Mulliner division -Â with the six-seat Mulsanne Grand Limousine set to be revealed at theÂ Geneva motor show the first sign of its broader remit.

Asked if the highly re-engineered car signalled a new direction forÂ Mulliner, which has long customised car colours and specs to customerÂ requirements, Bentley boss Wolfgang DÃ¼rheimer said: “Yes, I think we can do more.

“Mulliner is an asset with a history nearly 500 years old, but it isÂ not a well-known name and we must change that. It’s an asset, both forÂ customers and for us to develop one-off ideas and see where they lead.Â It is somewhere exceptional ideas can take shape, and small scaleÂ ideas can be developed to larger scale ones.”

Asked how far Mulliner could go, and if it could revive the art ofÂ coachbuilt one-offs, DÃ¼rheimer added: “It’s possible, yes. The onlyÂ thing to say is that Stefan Sielaff is the design director, and whatÂ he says is the rule. If someone wants a Bentley that looks like aÂ tank, then he will say no.

“But if a customer demands something unusual but tasteful, then whyÂ not? We’ll explore all ideas – our capabilities do not end with theÂ standard option list, but extend to Mulliner.

“All I add is that our customers’ safety must come first. AnythingÂ that alters the aero, suspension or weight balance needs carefulÂ consideration – you can’t just play with these things in cars capableÂ of 190mph.”